Pats Camp: Hernandez Still Hot Topic, But Tebow is Tebow

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Patriots began getting ready for the NFL season Friday, a season in which they will no longer have Aaron Hernandez, yet figure to be asked about him over and over again.

"I understand why you guys have to ask these questions," Tim Tebow said after his first practice with the Patriots. "I've been asked not to comment on ongoing legal investigations. It's heartbreaking, it's sad. All my thoughts and prayers go out to all the families that were involved."

Tebow, who repeated the words "sad" and "heartbreaking" twice during his brief talk, and Hernandez were teammates at the University of Florida from 2007-2009. They won a national championship together after the 2008 season. When the Patriots signed Tebow, a controversial figure, it appeared they would be reunited.

But Hernandez, from Bristol, was investigated and eventually charged with first-degree murder, and though the Patriots released him within hours of his arrest, it will take time to distance themselves from him. They offered fans the chance to turn in Hernandez jerseys for those of other players, and about 1,200 did so.

Coach Bill Belichick spoke Wednesday, a day earlier than expected, and last year's captains, including quarterback Tom Brady and defensive lineman Vince Wilfolk, spoke to reporters Thursday. The objective was to get talk of Hernandez out of the way before the Patriots took the field.

"I think it was [a distraction] until Belichick addressed it the other day," said Justin Fulone of South Boston, one of the 2,000 or so who came out to watch practice despite a steady rain. "But I think he kind of put it to rest. Brady said it best, that the team is trying to separate themselves [from Hernandez] the best they can. Once today is over and football gets underway, the one mind-set will be to win football games."

By Friday morning, Belichick was back to his characteristically vague answers whenever Hernandez's name was mentioned in a question. He was asked, for example, if he had addressed his team concerning the issue.

"You talk about a lot of things at the start of camp," he said.

Belichick was asked if young players could learn from the Hernandez story.

"As you go through life you experience things, there is an opportunity every day to learn something," he responded.

Belichick's bottom line: "The treadmill has started, we're ready to jump on and start moving."

The fans were ready to talk football, too. But they were free to express opinions on Hernandez.

"I think [Hernandez is] an idiot, bigtime," said David Prout of Attleboro, Mass. "He signs a $40 million deal, has a newborn, a fiancé. I don't get it with these guys."

Jerry May of Lehigh Acres, Fla., comes to New England for training camp every year, and he followed Hernandez closely at Florida.

"He had a chance to really do something with his life," May said, "And it looks like he threw it all away if what he did is true. … A lot of people went out of their way to give him this opportunity."

Darryl Schwartz, who played two seasons of football at UConn before graduating in 1977, was up from North Carolina.

"I was shocked, stunned," he said. "How can a pro athlete, a role model, be accused of something so bad?"

The Patriots players who walked over to meet reporters after practice were obviously well-coached and told to steer clear when asked questions all knew would be coming.

"I pray for everybody involved," said Matthew Slater, receiver and special teams player. "My heart goes out to [Odin] Lloyd family and everybody who has been affected by it. I just pray that God brings healing and restoration to everyone who has been affected by this situation."

Hernandez found immediate stardom in the NFL with the Patriots, who signed him to a $40 million contract. Tebow, though a bigger star at Florida, has struggled to find a niche in the NFL. Were it not for the Hernandez story, Tebow's arrival would have dominated camp, as it did when he arrived with the Jets to begin what became a failed experiment. Many fans said they came out just to see Tebow, who signed autographs afterward.

In his first practice, Tebow worked as the third string quarterback behind Brady and Ryan Mallett, but also caught a few passes in other drills. Some have speculated that Belichick, who loves to experiment, might have designs on converting Tebow to a receiver, perhaps to help fill the void in that area. Nearly all of Tebow's plays were short passes, and some were erratic.

"Whatever they ask me to do," Tebow said.

"Whatever role is best for the team, that's how we'll use him," Belicheck said. And he is committed to that."